ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China on Tuesday called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the start of US-Iran talks, as Islamabad and Beijing unveiled a five-point initiative aimed at de-escalation in the Middle East.

The understanding was reached during talks in Beijing between Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held as a follow-up to their telephone conversation on the Iran war last week.

The engagement yielded a coordinated framework that officials described as a basis for joint diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan`sForeign Office, the meeting was held `in an exceptionally warm and cordial atmosphere,` with discussions ranging fromrestricted talks to delegation-level exchanges. Both sides reviewed regional developments and `underscored their shared commitment to peace, stability and dialogue,` the statement said.

At the core of the outcome was a five-point initia-tive titled `Restoring Peace and Stability in the Gulf and Middle East Region` whichoutlined asequenced approachto de-escalation.The first element called for an `immediate cessation of hostilities` and efforts to prevent further spread of the conflict, alongside unhindered humanitarian access.

The second urged the start of peace talks `as soon as possible`, stressing respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national independence of Iran and Gulf states, while reaffirming that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable path forward.

`China and Pakistan support the relevant parties in initiating talks, with all parties committing to peaceful resolution of disputes, and refraining from the use or the threat of use offorce during peace talks,` the communique said.

The third point focused on the protection of civilians and non-military targets, calling for adherence to international humanitarian law and an end to attacks on critical infrastructure, including energy facilities, desalination plants and peacefulnuclearinstallations. The fourth called for the security of shipping lanes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, urging safe passage for commercial vessels and restoration of normal maritime traffic. The fifth underscored the primacy of the United Nations Charter, calling for `true multilateralism` and support for a comprehensive peace framework grounded in international law. Diplomatic observers see the initiative as a consolidation of earlier positions articulated by Islamabad, now backed by Beijing.

The Beijing meeting also pointed to closer China-Pakistan coordination on the Iran conflict. Pakistan`s ongoing diplomatic outreach, including contacts with regional capitals and reported bacl(channel efforts, has provided Beijing with a channel to support de-escalation without direct engagement with Washington.

Moreover, for China, stability in the Gulf is closely tied to energy security and protection of its economic interests, including Belt andRoad investments.

It is believed that the joint initiative will help the two sides to align positions and potentially shape a diplomatic track leading to cessation of hostilities. While Beijing has avoided direct mediation in the crisis, its involvement, nevertheless, adds weight to the emerging framework and signals its interest in a stabilised regional environment.

Analysts say the communique`s immediate value lies in providing a structured diplomatic template and maintaining momentum for dialogue. The emphasis on maritime security and protection of infrastructure reflects shared economic concerns, particularly the rislcs associated with disruption in Hormuz.

At the same time, the absence of explicit references to ongoing military actions by major actors suggests the document has been calibrated to retain acceptability among stakeholders.

Earlier China said it would strengthen cooperation with Pakistan on Iran. `The two foreign ministers will strengthen strategiccommunication and coordination on the Iran situation and... make new ef forts toward advocating for peace, Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a press conference, calling China and Pakistan `all-weather` strategic partners.

Mr Dar landed in Beijing in the late afternoon and was greeted by high-ranking Chinese officials. He was later received by the Chinese foreign minister at Diaoytal State Guest House for a bilateral meeting.

The trip marks his second official visit to Beijing this year, the FO noted in a post sharing Dar`s departure from Islamabad.

Iran`s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam, in a post on X, appreciated the `initiative and goodwill and good office by the friendly and brotherly country of Pakistan to stop the US-Israeli aggression against Iran and restore peace and stability to the region`.

`Iran welcomes Pakistan`s proactive diplomatic initiatives based on goodwill to restore peace and [bring] lasting stability to the region,` the envoy reiteratedin anotherpost.